Maduka Okoye speaks on future as Juventus interest grows
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has made it clear that he is fully focused on Udinese despite reports linking him with a move to Juventus and other top European clubs.
The 26-year-old impressed for Udinese last season, keeping 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A matches as the club secured a top-half finish under coach Kosta Runjaic.
His strong displays for both club and country, including Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have attracted interest from several leading clubs. Okoye, who has 21 caps for Nigeria, is valued at €10 million and still has two years left on his Udinese contract.
Speaking about his future, the former Watford goalkeeper insisted he is not thinking about leaving.
“Of course, I still have goals in my career, but right now my mind is fully on Udinese,” Okoye said.
“I’m enjoying my football without thinking too much about the future. Things can change quickly in football, but until then, I’m 100 per cent an Udinese professional.”
Okoye has now returned for pre-season after spending part of his summer attending Formula One events and a fashion show in Paris.
During the unveiling of Udinese’s new kit for the 2026/27 season, the Nigerian international expressed his excitement about the new campaign.
“I’m happy to be here. We’re happy to be here with the fans, and we can’t wait to get started,” he said.
The goalkeeper will aim to build on last season’s fine form before joining the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
He is expected to compete with Stanley Nwabali for Nigeria’s number one shirt as coach Eric Chelle prepares for the upcoming qualifiers.
Udinese will begin their 2026/27 season with a Coppa Italia clash against Serie B side Padova on 15 August.
Okoye’s latest comments suggest he remains committed to Udinese, leaving clubs such as Juventus to continue their search for a new goalkeeper elsewhere.
